9 Free Childrens Knitting Patterns You’ll Love to Make
Discover free childrens knitting patterns that are fun and practical! See them all on my free knitting pattern page.
Why I Love Free Childrens Knitting Patterns
I’ve always had a soft spot for making knits that are practical, wearable, and adorable for kids. That’s why I love sharing free childrens knitting patterns. They’re the perfect way to try something new without feeling the pressure of a big, complicated project.
In this post, I’m rounding up some of my favorite free childrens knitting patterns that I’ve designed myself. These are the sweaters, tees, and cardigans my own kids have worn, tested, and outgrown with love. I’ll share the details of each pattern, what makes it unique, and the yarn (with affiliate links so you can grab all the materials you need) I recommend for the best results.
So grab your needles, find your favorite yarn, and let’s dig into these free childrens knitting patterns that are fun to knit and even more fun to wear!
Youth Fern Pullover
Let’s start with one of my personal favorites, the Youth Fern Pullover. This DK weight top-down raglan sweater features lace raglan increases, which add such a sweet and subtle detail while keeping the shaping practical and comfortable for kids.
I knit mine using KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link), which has the perfect balance of drape and durability. It’s breathable enough for active play but still looks polished enough for family pictures. If you’re new to lace details, this pattern gives you just the right amount of practice without overwhelming you.
Judah Zipped Cardigan
Every kid needs a cardigan that feels warm, sturdy, and ready for adventure. The Judah Zipped Cardigan is a worsted weight drop sleeve cardigan worked in a broken 1×1 rib stitch. It has a high neck for extra warmth, and of course—the zipper makes it so practical for kids who are constantly on the go.
I used KnitPicks Upcycle Alpaca (affiliate link) for this design. It’s a soft, warm, eco-friendly yarn that adds a bit of luxury without sacrificing durability. This cardigan has become a staple in our house during cooler months.
Judah Zipped Cardigan Free Pattern
Mary Cardigan
Vintage style never goes out of fashion, and the Mary Cardigan proves it. This DK weight bottom-up raglan cardigan features buttons up the front for a classic look. It’s timeless, sweet, and perfect for layering over dresses, collared shirts, or even just a comfy tee.
For this design, I chose Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling Everyday DK (affiliate link). I love this yarn because it really lives up to its name—kids can wear it, play in it, toss it in a backpack, and it still looks new after a wash.
Deborah Tee
Lightweight layers are so important for kids, especially in transitional seasons. The Deborah Tee is a fingering weight top-down raglan with an eyelet lace panel running down the back. It’s an airy piece that works for spring, summer, or even as a layering piece under cardigans.
I knit it in KnitPicks Samia (affiliate link), which has such a soft and flowy feel that makes the lace really stand out. It’s simple yet delicate, and it’s one of my go-to projects when I want something both pretty and practical for my kids.
Michael Pullover
Ribbing is one of my favorite stitches for children’s garments because it’s so stretchy and forgiving. The Michael Pullover is a wide ribbed top-down raglan that grows with your child in a way few sweaters can.
This one is made with KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Worsted (affiliate link), a soft and versatile yarn that makes the ribbing extra comfortable. I love how easy this sweater is to knit—it’s rhythmic, mindless at times, but with a rewarding finish that looks polished and tailored.
Noah Pullover
If you’ve ever wanted to try a rainbow stripe in your knitting, the Noah Pullover is a perfect fit. This top-down raglan uses a rainbow helical stripe technique, which creates a seamless color change that looks magical but is actually straightforward to knit.
I used KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Worsted (affiliate link) again here because it has the best combination of vibrant colors and easy care. My kids loved picking out their own rainbow stripe order, which made this project even more special.
Wheat Cardigan
The Wheat Cardigan is one of the most delicate and beautiful pieces in this roundup of free childrens knitting patterns. It’s a drop sleeve buttoned cardigan worked in an all-over lace pattern that looks just like stalks of wheat swaying in the breeze.
This design shines when knit in KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link), a soft and elegant yarn that holds lace stitches beautifully. It feels luxurious without being fussy, and it makes the cardigan something really special for occasions or everyday wear.
Sarah Tee
Sometimes simple is best, and the Sarah Tee proves just that. This bottom-up cap sleeve tee features an all-over chevron lace pattern, giving it texture and interest without being complicated.
I made mine in Lion Brand Coboo (affiliate link), one of my all-time favorite yarns for summer knits. It’s breathable, smooth, and drapes beautifully, making it a must-knit for kids who run and play in warmer months.
Puff Sleeve Tee
Last but not least is the Puff Sleeve Tee, which adds just the right amount of flair. This set-in sleeve tee has short sleeves with the perfect puff—noticeable enough to be stylish but subtle enough for everyday wear.
I used KnitPicks Vividie (affiliate link) for this project. The yarn gives the puffed sleeves structure while still keeping the body lightweight and wearable. It’s a favorite in my kids’ wardrobes, and I’ve already been asked to make it in multiple colors!
Why Free Childrens Knitting Patterns Are Worth It
One of the best things about these free childrens knitting patterns is that they grow with your skills. From lace raglan increases to ribbing, from helical stripes to puff sleeves, each project teaches something new while still giving you a practical garment that your kids will actually wear.
Knitting for children also has a special kind of joy—you get to see your kids light up when they wear something handmade just for them. And as a bonus, children’s garments take less yarn and less time than adult pieces, so you can finish them faster and try more styles.
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself returning to these free childrens knitting patterns again and again, making new sizes, new colors, and new variations for every child in your life.
I hope this list of free childrens knitting patterns gives you as much inspiration as it gives me. Whether you’re casting on for a cardigan, a pullover, or a tee, these designs are tried-and-true favorites in my home.
Now I’d love to hear from you—have you knit any of these free childrens knitting patterns yet? Which one are you most excited to try next? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
The post 9 Free Childrens Knitting Patterns You’ll Love to Make appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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